Abstract: A plant expression vector is constructed to cause the expression of an amino-terminal portion of the Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxin gene in plant cells and the vector is used to create transgenic plants expressing the toxin. A truncated form of the toxin is used, with carboxy-terminal prolines added for stability. A translational enhancer sequence derived from the untranslated leader sequence from the mRNA of the coat protein gene of alfalfa mosaic virus coat protein gene is placed between a promoter and the toxin gene to increase translational efficiency. The transgenic plants produced are toxic to Lepidopteran pests and can transmit that trait to their progeny by normal Mendelian inheritance.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which describes the identification of cDNA clones useful for identifying fiber genes in cotton. The cDNA clones are useful in developing corresponding genomic clones from fiber producing plants to enable genetic engineering of cotton and other plants using these genes. The fiber-specific genes are identified by differential cDNA library screenings.

Abstract: A plant expression vector is constructed to cause the expression of an amino-terminal portion of the Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxin gene in plant cells and the vector is used to create transgenic plants expressing the toxin. A truncated form of the toxin is used, with carboxy-terminal prolines added for stability. A translational enhancer sequence derived from the untranslated leader sequence from the mRNA of the coat protein gene of alfalfa mosaic virus coat protein gene is placed between a promoter and the toxin gene to increase translational efficiency. The transgenic plants produced are toxic to Lepidopteran pests and can transmit that trait to their progeny by normal Mendelian inheritance.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which describes the identification of cDNA clones useful for identifying fiber genes in cotton. The cDNA clones are useful in developing corresponding genomic clones from fiber producing plants to enable genetic engineering of cotton and other plants using these genes. The fiber-specific genes are identified by differential cDNA library screenings. Coding sequences from these isolated genes are used in sense or antisense orientation to alter the fiber characteristics of transgenic fiber-producing plants.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to achieve genetic transformation of cotton plants and lines. Immature cotton tissues are genetically transformed in vitro, by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. The resultant cotton tissues are subjected to a selection agent or agents to screen for transformants. The transformed cultures are then induced to commence somatic embryogenesis. One possible regime for regenerating such somatic embryos into whole cotton plants is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to achieve genetic transformation of cotton plants and lines. Immature cotton tissues are genetically transformed in vitro, by Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. The resultant cotton tissues are subjected to a selection agent or agents to screen for transformants. The transformed cultures are then induced to commence somatic embryogenesis. One possible regime for regenerating such somatic embryos into whole cotton plants is disclosed.